A dull thud can be heard, along with cheering, as a 100-pound log comes barreling by. Two students, each holding a metal tool with a hook at the end called a peavey, jab at the log, propelling it forward. As they reach the end someone yells their time, which was about one minute and five seconds, the fastest log rolling time of the night. The Society of American Foresters (SAF) held this practice on Friday, Oct. 10 to train for their upcoming competition in the spring. There will be events like log rolling, bolt throwing, and pulp tossing, all of which are taught at practices. All levels are welcome and training has just begun, so any students looking for some experience should stop by.
When asked about timbersports, Tristan Walk, the current president of the Michigan Tech Forestry Club, said “It kind of serves multiple functions: one, it builds teamwork skills; and two, it’s a really fun event to watch. People get invested in it, people like it, you know.” Walk also mentioned its importance to SAF. “Pretty much since the 1940s up until now, Timbersports has been a really cultural key to the Forestry Club. We have pictures dating back to the ’70s and the ’60s of timbersports competitions happening in the school and how they were recruiting using that.”
The club’s recruitment took a hit during COVID, however in recent years, membership numbers have begun to rise. Although the majority of members are in forestry, Tristan stressed that “We’re not just foresters. We offer something to everyone…we do so many events a year. For example, you don’t have to be a forester to split firewood, or to do adopt-a-highway. You don’t have to be a forester if you just want to come learn how to fell a tree, use a chainsaw, or, you know, learn how to be out in the woods and pay attention to the trees around you…If you like the outdoors and you’re passionate about being outdoors and using the tools, we will teach you.” Tristan Walk has been working hard to revive timbersports at MTU, even helping organize the “Woodchuck Games,” which is a mini-conclave or competition with Michigan State in Alberta, MI.
For more information or questions, contact saf@mtu.edu.
